HK urged to boost ties with Zhuhai for low-altitude air corridor

Hong Kong should form closer cooperation with Zhuhai in policy coordination and cross-border pilot projects to establish a low-altitude transport corridor between Hong Kong and the mainland city, lawmaker Elizabeth Quat Pei-fan said.

Quat, founding president of the Greater Bay Area Low-Altitude Economy Alliance, emphasized that Hong Kong's strengths in capital, technology, and talent can support the development of the GBA's low-altitude economy, positioning the city as a key player in the sector.

The alliance recently signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Xiangzhou District People's Government in Zhuhai.

Quat noted that Hong Kong's regulatory sandbox for low-altitude economy projects will help gather data on drone stability, privacy concerns, noise levels, and safety at takeoff and landing sites, laying the groundwork for future operations.

She expects the next phase of sandbox projects to expand application scenarios and urged the government to draft legislation addressing passenger-carrying drones and cross-border drone flights, with the long-term goal of building a low-altitude transport network.

The SAR government unveiled 38 participants in its low-altitude economy regulatory sandbox last month, including companies with mainland operational experience.

Among them is Godo Innovation Technology (Hong Kong), which has partnered with a construction firm to use drones for enhanced safety inspections at worksites, such as ensuring workers wear protective gear. 

Having operated drone services in Shenzhen, the company collaborates with local transport and public security authorities and trial flights in Hong Kong are set to begin next month in coordination with the Civil Aviation Department.

Meanwhile, mainland drone company Vertaxi is expanding into Hong Kong, with plans to establish a research and development center in Tseung Kwan O this year.

The firm said it sees strong potential for low-altitude economy growth in the city and aims to join the second batch of sandbox projects, with ambitions to enable cross-border cargo deliveries, such as between Hong Kong and Zhongshan.

However, Vertaxi stressed the need for regulatory updates, particularly on drone weight restrictions, to facilitate operations.

Given Hong Kong's dense urban environment, the company suggested starting with remote-area applications before expanding to more populated zones.

(Ayra Wang)